Malaysian PM Najib Razak launches Greater KL MRT's second phase, fares to be 50 per cent off until Aug 31

Malaysia's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network was considered superior to comparable systems in London and New York, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said when launching the second phase of the line today.

"I said, let's try to do a ranking of MRT stations to find out where we stand in the world? The person said we are better than London, we are better than NY, we are better than Hong Kong, and we are at par with Singapore", he said.

The premier did not reveal the identity of the person, but he said he felt "enormous pride and personal satisfaction" over the completion of the rail project, which he touted as the newest and modern modern MRT system in the world. "And on par with Singapore", Najib said when opening the entirety of the Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK line) here. "We are seeing not just the MRT but the shape of the future of Malaysia before our eyes", he added.

With the completion of the second phase, the whole SBK line will be operational beginning 4pm today.

He said around 400,000 commuters are expected to use the 51 km route every day.

In conjunction with the launch, Mr Najib also announced half-priced fares for all public transport service in Kuala Lumpur until August 31.

Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chief executive officer Mohd Azharuddin Mat Sah said the government had undertaken various initiatives under the National Land Public Transport Master Plan over the last six years to transform the use of public transport, which contributed to the increase in the number of daily passengers to 1.1 million today.

Meanwhile, Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak said Monday that the MRT is a "gift" from the prime minister to the country.